Track laying practices in India: Which method is most commonly used by Indian Railways for plate laying on new lines or renewals?

Introduction / Context:
Plate laying—placing sleepers and rails progressively to construct track—can be executed by different methods. Indian Railways has evolved practices considering logistics, resource availability, and the need to maintain alignment and level during construction.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Comparison of common methods: side, telescopic, and American.
• Focus: method typically adopted in India for general work.

Concept / Approach:
In the telescopic method, panels are laid out progressively from an existing railhead, extending the track in a stepwise manner. It enables efficient use of materials brought to railhead, good control of alignment/level, and steady advance without excessive preliminary distribution.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Assess logistics: telescopic method minimizes double handling.Assess quality control: progressive alignment checks are easier.Indian Railways widely prefers the telescopic method for standard projects.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard codes of practice and manuals describe telescopic laying as the usual approach, with side method used in constrained conditions and American method in specialized mechanized contexts.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Side method: Material is stacked along the alignment beforehand; less efficient for long advances.American method: Machinery-intensive; not the default across Indian projects.All of the above: Overbroad; one is most common—telescopic.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming one method suits all terrains; site constraints can dictate alternatives.
• Ignoring safety while advancing the railhead.

Final Answer:
Telescopic method